Push-on, pull-off coaxial connector apparatus and method

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to coaxial cable connectors and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to push-on, pull-off coupling mechanisms for coaxial cable connectors.

2. History of Related Art

A coaxial cable is generally characterized by having an inner conductor, an outer conductor, and an insulator between the inner and outer conductors. The inner conductor may be hollow or solid. At the end of coaxial cable, a connector is attached forming a coaxial cable assembly and facilitating mechanical and electrical coupling of the coaxial cable to electronic equipment and other cables. The method of and apparatus for the mechanical and electrical coupling of the connector to the coaxial cable has for a number of years been the subject of considerable design innovation. For example, to effectuate electrical contact between the inner contact of the connector and the inner conductor of the cable, the inner contact may be soldered or otherwise secured in some other fashion to the inner conductor. To effectuate electrical contact between the body member of the connector and the outer conductor of the cable, a myriad of design issues arise. One design issue relates to the configuration of the outer conductor of the cable. A connector for a coaxial cable having an outer conductor and a hollow, plain cylindrical inner conductor is, for example, described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,199,061 (Johnson et al.). The Johnson patent describes a self-tapping connector. Such connectors are time-consuming to install and relatively expensive to manufacture. Also, when the inner connector is made of brass, over-tightening causes the threads to strip off the connector rather than the end portion of the inner conductor of the cable, and thus the connector must be replaced. More recent coaxial connector designs have addressed methods of and apparatus for quickly and easily attaching a connector to a coaxial cable with improved efficiency. U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,710, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and incorporated herein by reference, teaches a method of attaching a connector to a coaxial cable that allows the depth of the inner contact relative to the body member of the connector to be easily controlled. In this manner, the depth of the inner contact relative to the body member of the connector is consistent from one assembly to the next. The method set forth therein also provides a moisture barrier between the cable and the connector without the use of rubber O-rings, thereby protecting the connector from detrimental environmental conditions.

Another very important design aspect of coaxial connectors has been, and currently is, the coupling mechanism that facilitates an interlocking engagement between mating male and female coupling sections. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,846 (Guimond, et al.) describes a quick connect/disconnect connector for coaxial cables which can be used with unmodified standard coaxial couplings having externally facing threads. The connector includes a connector housing having a plurality of movable fingers which have inwardly facing ridge portions that mesh with the externally facing threads of the coaxial coupling. When the connector coaxial line segment is pushed onto the coupling, the fingers move in such a way as to allow the ridge portions to interlock with the screw threads. The connector can be used for RF microwave such as SMA, TNC, Type N, etc. Disconnecting is accomplished by pulling the sleeve backward which releases the fingers from their interlocking position.

Another connector design addressing the coupling mechanism is set forth and shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,138,181 (Hacker, et al.). The Hacker patent describes a releasable electrical connector having a receptacle component and a plug component which can be mated by relative rotation between the components and separated by a straight breakaway force. Pins on the receptacle components are engaged in a spring biased sleeve in the plug component. Moreover, a spring is provided around the male coaxial connector and biases the connector body toward the receptacle to provide better contact between the connectors.

Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 4,545,633 (McGeary) generally describes a male plug and a female receptacle that are connected together by means of fingers on the male plug which are spread and are held by the female receptacle. The connector is unplugged by sliding a sleeve rearwardly against an internal spring and moving the locking tabs to an unlocked position.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,612B1 (Arcykiewicz, et al.) teaches an adaptive coupling mechanism incorporating a multi-lined locking ring to engage the threads of a conventional rotational coupling system member.

These and related designs exemplify the innovation in the effort for improved high performance coaxial cable connector couplings that are easy and fast to install and uninstall one to the other under field conditions and which may also be economically manufactured.

It has been well established that connectors incorporating push-pull coupling assemblies permit faster installation than the threaded coupling assemblies. Typical push-pull couplings also often provide more reliable locking mechanisms because vibrations will have a less tendency to cause disconnection as compared to threaded connectors which are more prone to the deleterious effect of vibration. There are obviously no “cross-threading” problems with push-pull connectors, because such problems are by definition the problem of threaded engagement. Also, push-pull connectors are quicker to connect or disconnect. However, threaded coupling assemblies, when installed correctly, are more physically secure (they do not disconnect when something pulls on them) whereas push-pull connectors, by definition, disconnect when a sufficient axial force is applied. However, to connect the typical push-pull connectors, the connector must be pulled in a rearward direction with respect to the female end to allow the connector to “open up”. Stated another way, the only way to “open up” the connector to allow receipt of a female end is to move the connector in a rearward direction; the connector cannot “open up” by moving the connector towards the female end. Then the connector may be pushed onto the female end and the connector is moved back to its default position to lock the connector in place. This may be cumbersome in the field because the user must pull the connector back while pushing the entire assembly into engagement with the female end.

It would be a distinct advantage to provide a push-on, pull-off connector that quickly connects with a standard threaded female coaxial end, without having to screw the connector on to the female end, that provides efficient and reliable coupling of the male and female connector members under field conditions. Also, it would be advantageous if the connector could allow receipt of the female end by either pushing or pulling the connector with respect to the female end. Enhanced coupling aspects, such as increased axial compression between male and female connection members, provide improved reliability. The present invention provides such a reliable coaxial connector coupling with a reciprocally mounted sleeve positionable around a connector member in three separate positions for enhanced ease of coupling/decoupling to a female end. The push-pull connector described herein includes a pair of springs for urging the female connector into engagement with the male coaxial connector while providing both locked and unlocked positions therebetween.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a male coaxial connector constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the male coaxial connector being in a mated and locked position with respect to a female connector;

FIG. 2 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the male coaxial connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the male coaxial connector of FIG. 1 illustrating the unmated, locked position of said male coaxial connector thereof;

FIG. 4A is a side elevational, cross-sectional view of the male coaxial connector of FIG. 1 illustrating one of the mated, unlocked positions of said male coaxial connector thereof;

FIG. 4B is a side elevational, cross-sectional view of the male coaxial connector of FIG. 1 illustrating the mated, locked position of said male coaxial connector thereof;

FIG. 4C is a side elevational, cross-sectional view of the male coaxial connector of FIG. 1 illustrating one of the mated, unlocked positions of said male coaxial connector thereof;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional, exploded view of the male coaxial connector and the female connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, perspective view of the connection member of the male coaxial connector of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, perspective view of the sleeve of the male coaxial connector of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the sleeve of FIG. 7 taken along line <b>3</b>—<b>3</b>;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, perspective view of the inner conductor of FIG. <b>5</b>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It has been discovered that a reciprocally mounted push-on, pull-off coupling assembly formed with means for enhancing the axial interface force between male and female connector members of a coaxial connector can provide a myriad of advantages and improved reliability. Similarly, it has been discovered that a male coaxial connector that is adapted for receipt of a female connector when it is pushed forward or rearward with respect to a female connector improves the ease of use in the field. The push-on, pull-off coupling assembly of the coaxial connector of the present invention is constructed for axially biasing the mating coupling members of the coaxial connector of the present invention into each other. The inter-engagement of the axially biased coaxial coupling members of the present invention provides a tighter, more reliable connection with the quick installation convenience provided by a connector that can be connected or released in two distinct ways. The coupling assembly of the coaxial connector of the present invention also provides radial forces to ensure sufficient engagement between the male and female connection members.

Referring first to FIG. 1 there is shown a perspective view of one embodiment of a male coaxial connector <b>50</b> constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> being in a mated and locked position with respect to a female connector <b>100</b>. The female connector <b>100</b> of the present embodiment is a SMA female connector. It may be a panel mount or cable assembly connector and is shown here for purposes of illustration. Thus, female connector <b>100</b> may be connected to a structure such as a radio antenna by way of panel <b>12</b>. In order to accommodate the female connector <b>100</b>, a sleeve <b>14</b> is provided that fits around the female connector <b>100</b> when the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> is engaged. In order to receive a female connection member <b>10</b> of a female connector <b>100</b>, the sleeve <b>14</b> has an open front end. In order to receive the male connection member <b>16</b>, the sleeve has an open rear end. The design and assembly of the male coaxial connector <b>50</b>, including the reciprocally mounted sleeve <b>14</b>, will be described in more detail below.

For the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> to work for its intended purpose it must be mounted at the end of a coaxial cable (as must the female connector <b>100</b>). Such methods of connection are well known in the art. The preferred method for connection of the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> to a coaxial cable is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,710 which is incorporated by reference herein for such teachings. The male coaxial connector <b>50</b> of the present invention may be mounted to either corrugated coaxial cables or smooth-walled coaxial cables.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective, cross-sectional view of the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> of FIG. <b>1</b>. In order to provide outer electrical communication between the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> and the female connector <b>100</b>, the female connection member <b>10</b> abuts the male connection member <b>16</b> and both connection members are constructed of electrically conductive material (note that the male connection member <b>16</b> extends within the sleeve <b>14</b>—this will be more readily apparent from the drawings that follow). These connection members serve as the outer conductors of the coaxial connection between the male and female connectors. The preferred embodiment of the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> contains a first spring <b>22</b> that biases the sleeve <b>14</b> towards a locked position and a second spring <b>20</b> that helps provide axial force on the male connection member <b>16</b> to ensure proper electrical engagement with the female connector <b>100</b>. This relationship will be discussed in further detail below. A spring basket <b>18</b>, fits around the front end of the male connection member <b>16</b> and is adapted for receipt of the female connection member <b>10</b>. The spring basket <b>18</b> provides a radial compressive force on the female connection member <b>10</b> when the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> is in its mated, locked position. This relationship will also be discussed in further detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective, cross-sectional view of the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> is shown illustrating the unmated, locked position of said male coaxial connector <b>50</b>. To provide inner electrical communication between the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> and the female connector <b>100</b>, an inner conductor <b>24</b> of the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> is provided within the male connection member <b>16</b> and is adapted for receipt within the inner conductor region of the female connector <b>100</b> (not shown). In order to hold the female connection member <b>10</b> in place when it is inserted into the male coaxial connector <b>50</b>, a spring basket <b>18</b> is adapted for receiving the female connection member <b>10</b>. Again, this relationship will be discussed in further detail below. The sleeve <b>14</b> is axially movable with respect to the male connection member <b>16</b> in order to “open” the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> so that the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> can be fit over a female connector <b>100</b>. Also, the first spring <b>22</b> biases the sleeve <b>14</b> into its locked position. These relationships will be explored in further detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, one can obtain a better understanding of how the present invention operates. FIG. 4A is a side elevational, cross-sectional view of the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> of FIG. 1 illustrating the first mated, unlocked position of the male coaxial connector <b>50</b>. FIG. 4B is a view of the mated, locked position of the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> and FIG. 4C is a view of the second mated, unlocked position of the male coaxial connector <b>50</b>. FIGS. 4A and 4C illustrate the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> in an unlocked position. That is, the female connection member <b>10</b> is not secure within the male coaxial connector <b>50</b>. To allow for withdrawal of the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> from the female connector <b>100</b>, when the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> is in its unlocked position, the spring basket <b>18</b> is biased in an “open” position. That is, the spring basket <b>18</b> is biased at an angle away from the axis of the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> (see FIGS. <b>4</b>A and <b>4</b>C). Therefore, in its unlocked position, the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> can be removed from the female connector <b>100</b>. A more detailed description of the structure of the spring basket <b>18</b> will be discussed below.

To install the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> on the female connection member <b>10</b> from an unmated position, the user grasps the sleeve <b>14</b> and pushes the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> toward the female connector <b>100</b>. Washer <b>26</b><i>b </i>is then engaged by the forwardly moving sleeve <b>14</b>. As the sleeve <b>14</b> is moved forwardly, the spring <b>22</b>, washer <b>26</b><i>a</i>, and spring basket <b>18</b> slide toward the female connection member <b>10</b> along the male connection member <b>16</b>. When the female connection member <b>10</b> abuts the head <b>32</b> of the male connection member <b>16</b>, the force that the user is providing on the sleeve <b>14</b> compresses springs <b>20</b> and <b>22</b>. All the parts sliding on the male connection member <b>16</b> are now jammed against the head <b>32</b> of the male connection member <b>16</b>. The user then releases the sleeve <b>14</b> while holding the male connection member <b>16</b> firmly against the female connection member <b>10</b> (If he did not, the male connection member <b>16</b> might back away from the female connector <b>100</b> before the spring basket <b>18</b> lock on the threads of the female connection member <b>10</b>, and electrical connection may suffer). Spring <b>22</b> now moves the sleeve <b>14</b> in a rearward direction to its default locked position.

Specifically referring now to FIG. 4A, the male coaxial connector is shown in its first unlocked position. In order to bias the sleeve <b>14</b> to a locked position, a first spring <b>22</b> fits around the male connection member <b>16</b> and provides axial forces against washers <b>26</b><i>a </i>and <b>26</b><i>b</i>. To translate the axial force from the first spring <b>22</b> to the sleeve <b>14</b>, washer <b>26</b><i>a </i>abuts a first internal ridge <b>40</b> of the sleeve <b>14</b>, thus urging the sleeve <b>14</b> towards a locked position when spring <b>22</b> is compressed (see FIG. <b>4</b>B).

When the sleeve <b>14</b> is moved from its first unlocked position into its locked position (from its position in FIG. 4A to its position in FIG. <b>4</b>B), a second internal ridge <b>36</b> of the sleeve <b>14</b> engages an external ridge <b>38</b> of the spring basket <b>18</b> forcing the internal threads of the spring basket <b>18</b> into engagement with the threads of the female connection member <b>10</b>. This camming action provides forces on the female connection member <b>10</b> that not only keep the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> from disengaging from the female connector <b>100</b>, but also provide good electrical communication between the female connection member <b>10</b> and the male connection member <b>16</b>. Because the second internal ridge <b>36</b> of the sleeve <b>14</b> and the external ridge <b>38</b> of the spring basket <b>18</b> are rounded, the second internal ridge <b>36</b> is allowed to travel over the external ridge <b>38</b> of the spring basket such that the two ridges are substantially radially aligned when the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> is in its locked position. In addition to the radial compressive force on the female connection member <b>10</b> from the spring basket <b>18</b>, a second spring <b>20</b> provides axial force on the male connection member <b>16</b> to force it into secure engagement with the female connection member <b>10</b>. The second spring <b>20</b> fits around the male connection member <b>16</b> and applies axial force against the spring basket and the head <b>32</b> of the male connection member <b>16</b>. Because the spring basket will not move with relation to the female connector <b>100</b> (due to their interlocked threads) the second spring <b>20</b> forces the head <b>32</b> of the male connection member <b>16</b> in a forward axial direction against the female connection member <b>10</b>. Thus, the male coaxial connector of the present invention utilizes axial and radial forces to provide for secure electrical engagement between the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> and the female connector <b>100</b>.

When the sleeve <b>14</b> is moved from the locked position into its second unlocked position (from its position in FIG. 4B to its position in <b>4</b>C), the second internal ridge <b>36</b> of the sleeve <b>14</b> moves out of radial alignment with the external ridge <b>38</b> of the spring basket <b>18</b> such that the spring basket is allowed to open such that its axial length is at an angle from the axis of the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> and the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> can be removed from the female connector <b>100</b>. To bias the sleeve <b>14</b> toward its locked position when it is in its second unlocked position, both the first spring <b>22</b> and second spring <b>20</b> are compressed which apply axial forces on the sleeve <b>14</b> relative to the male connection member <b>16</b> urging the sleeve <b>14</b> back to its locked position.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional, exploded view of the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> and the female connector <b>100</b> of FIG. 1 is shown. The inner conductor <b>24</b> is of a size such that, when assembled, it fits securely within a hole through the male insulator <b>30</b>. Likewise, the male insulator <b>30</b> is of a size that it fits securely within the male connection member <b>16</b>. In order to facilitate the internal electrical connection between the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> and the female connector <b>100</b>, the front end of the inner conductor <b>24</b> protrudes from the male connection member <b>16</b> a distance sufficient to come into electrical contact with the female inner conductor <b>400</b> when the connectors are mated. It is well known in the industry to utilize rubber, plastic or the like as insulating material within coaxial connectors, and likewise the use of brass, copper and similar electrically-conducting material for the construction of the conducting portions of the male coaxial connector <b>50</b>, as well as the female connector <b>100</b>. To bias the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> to its locked position and to urge the male connection member <b>16</b> toward the female connector <b>100</b> when mated, the second spring <b>20</b> is assembled around the male connection member <b>16</b> such that it abuts the head <b>32</b> on the male connection member <b>16</b>; the other end of the second spring <b>20</b> abuts a ridge <b>204</b> in the interior of the spring basket <b>18</b>. The first spring <b>22</b> is positioned around the male connection member <b>16</b> and sandwiched between washers <b>26</b><i>a </i>and <b>26</b><i>b </i>such that it also biases the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> to its locked position. To keep the spring basket <b>18</b> from being removable from the male coaxial connector <b>50</b>, the ridge <b>204</b> on the spring basket <b>18</b> fits over and around the head <b>32</b> on the front of the male connection member <b>16</b>. To allow the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> to be locked and unlocked, the sleeve <b>14</b> is axially movable with respect to, and fits over, the spring basket <b>18</b> and the male connection member <b>16</b> assembly. Gasket <b>210</b> fits over the frontal portion of the head <b>32</b> of the male connection member <b>16</b> to help prevent water ingress into the interior of the coaxial cable attached to the male coaxial connector <b>50</b>.

It may thus be seen that the present invention provides an advance over other coaxial cable conductors by providing enhanced electrical connectivity with quick and reliable interconnection between a male coaxial connector <b>50</b> and a female connector <b>100</b> by providing radial force to secure the female connector <b>100</b> and providing radial and axial forces to enhance the electrical connection between the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> and the female connector <b>100</b>. The unlocking of the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> can be done simply by pushing or pulling the sleeve <b>14</b> in an axial direction with respect to the male connection member <b>16</b>.

Referring now to FIG. 6 there is shown an enlarged, perspective view of the male connection member <b>16</b> of FIG. <b>5</b>. In order to provide electrical communication between the male connection member <b>16</b> and the female connection member <b>10</b> when the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> is mated and locked to the female connector <b>100</b> (these two pieces act as the outer conductor of the resulting coaxial connection), the male connection member <b>16</b> should be made of electrically conductive material. Optionally, the male connection member <b>16</b> may be wrapped, covered, or otherwise fit with a non-conductive material. However, the portions of the head <b>32</b> of the male connection member <b>16</b> and the female connection member <b>10</b> that are in contact with each other when the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> is in its mated and locked position should not be wrapped, covered, or otherwise fit with a non-conductive material because they need to electrically communicate with each other. To allow second spring <b>20</b> to apply axial force on the male connection member <b>16</b> when compressed, the head <b>32</b> has a radially extending ridge that the second spring <b>20</b> abuts. In order to accommodate the male insulator <b>30</b> and the inner conductor <b>24</b>, the male connection member is hollow. When the inner conductor <b>24</b>, male insulator <b>30</b>, and male connection member <b>16</b> are assembled the front end of the inner conductor <b>24</b> protrudes from the male connection member <b>16</b> a distance sufficient to come into electrical contact with the female inner conductor (not shown) when the connectors are mated.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown an enlarged perspective view of the sleeve <b>14</b> of FIG. <b>5</b>. To accommodate the various portions of the male coaxial connector <b>50</b>, the sleeve <b>14</b> is preferably hollow. As stated above, to move the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> to its locked or unlocked position relative to the female connector <b>100</b>, the sleeve is moved in a forward or rearward axial direction with respect to the spring basket <b>18</b>. This may be done by a user gripping the outside of the sleeve <b>14</b> and pushing or pulling it in an axial direction relative to the spring basket <b>18</b>. In order to give the user a better grip on the sleeve <b>14</b>, the sleeve may have a raised area <b>302</b>. Alternatively, the raised area <b>302</b> may be textured or be made of a material with a relatively high coefficient of friction such that the user may more easily grip the sleeve <b>14</b>. In another embodiment, the sleeve <b>14</b> does not have a raised area, but the entire external surface of the sleeve is textured, coated, or covered with a material with a relatively high coefficient of friction.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view taken along line <b>3</b>—<b>3</b> of the sleeve <b>14</b> of FIG. 7 is shown. As stated above, In order to bias the sleeve <b>14</b> to a locked position from its first unlocked position (FIG. <b>4</b>A), a first spring <b>22</b> fits around the male connection member <b>16</b> and provides axial forces against washers <b>26</b><i>a </i>and <b>26</b><i>b</i>. To translate the axial force from the first spring <b>22</b> to the sleeve <b>14</b>, one of the washers abuts a first internal ridge <b>40</b> of the sleeve <b>14</b>, thus urging the sleeve <b>14</b> towards a locked position (see FIGS. <b>4</b>A and <b>4</b>B). When the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> is moved from one of its unlocked positions to the locked position, the second internal ridge <b>36</b> engages the external ridge <b>38</b> of each respective tine <b>42</b> of the spring basket <b>18</b>, forcing the tines <b>42</b> into engagement with the female connection member <b>10</b> and applying radial compressive forces thereupon. To allow for movement of the sleeve <b>14</b> over the external ridge <b>38</b> (referred to here in the singular even though there are a number of external ridges <b>38</b> of the spring basket <b>18</b> because the spring basket <b>18</b> is divided into tines <b>42</b>) the second internal ridge <b>36</b> of the sleeve <b>14</b> is rounded.

Referring now to FIG. 9 there is shown an enlarged, perspective view of the inner conductor <b>24</b>. In order to provide electrical communication between a standard coaxial cable (not shown) and the female inner conductor (not shown) the inner conductor <b>24</b> must be made of an electrically conductive material. As stated above, to ensure a secure fit between the inner conductor <b>24</b> and the male insulator <b>30</b>, the diameter of the front portion of the inner conductor <b>24</b> is approximately the same as the diameter of the hole formed through the male insulator <b>30</b>. When the inner conductor <b>24</b>, male insulator <b>30</b>, and male connection member <b>16</b> are assembled, the front portion of the inner conductor <b>24</b> protrudes in an axial direction outwardly from the male connection member <b>16</b>. This protrusion allows the inner conductor <b>24</b> to be received within the female inner conductor when the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> is engaged with a female connector <b>100</b>. To work for its intended purpose, the male coaxial connector <b>50</b> of the present invention must be connected to a coaxial cable. U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,710, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and incorporated herein by reference, teaches a method of attaching a connector to a coaxial cable that allows the depth of the inner conductor <b>24</b> relative to the male connection member <b>16</b> to be easily controlled. In this manner, the depth of the inner conductor <b>24</b> relative to the male connection member <b>16</b> is consistent from one assembly to the next. The method set forth therein also provides a moisture barrier between the cable and the connector without the use of rubber O-rings, thereby protecting the connector from detrimental environmental conditions. The male coaxial connector <b>50</b> of the present invention may be to either corrugated coaxial cables or smooth-walled coaxial cables.

Referring again to FIG. 5, in order to allow front end of the spring basket <b>18</b> to compress evenly upon the female connection member <b>10</b> when it is inserted therein, the frontal portion of the spring basket <b>18</b> is divided into equally spaced tines <b>42</b>. Each tine <b>42</b> has an external ridge <b>38</b> that engages the second internal ridge <b>36</b> of the sleeve <b>14</b> and translates axial force from the sleeve <b>14</b> into radial compressive forces onto the female connection member <b>10</b>. In order to provide better gripping forces on a threaded female connection member <b>10</b> of a female connector <b>100</b>, the internal faces of the tines <b>42</b> are threaded to engage the threads on the female connection member <b>10</b>. Also, in order to hold the spring basket <b>18</b> in place with respect to the male connection member <b>16</b>, a ridge <b>204</b> on the spring basket <b>18</b> fits over and around the head <b>32</b> on the front of the male connection member <b>16</b>.

It is thus believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. While the method and apparatus shown or described has been characterized as being preferred it will be obvious that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims: